The Top 6 Scenic Australian Golf Courses Where You can Stay and Play

Australian Golf Courses Where you can Stay and Play

Australia is a dream destination for many golfers, with several award-winning championship courses to choose from and with pleasant weather that allows for play pretty much year round.

“Playing golf in Australia is very special because the spectacular natural beauty means you can swing surrounded by dramatic clifftops, coastal sand dunes and beautiful vineyards,” explains Blake Hutchinson, general manager of travel site Luxury Escapes, which offers golf getaways at affordable prices.

Tanunda Pines, Barossa Valley, South Australia

••• Image Supplied

Surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills, Tanunda Pines Golf Club in South Australia is the perfect course for wine-loving swingers. Home to an abundance of native bird and animal life and surrounded by two of Australia’s most recognized​ vineyards (Jacob’s Creek and St Hallett), this course really showcases the beauty of the Barossa Valley.

Where to stay: Stay at the adjacent Novotel Barossa Valley Resort, which is the perfect place to rewind with a glass of local wine after your 18 holes.

What to do besides golf? The Barossa Valley is one of Australia’s premier wine regions, so after your round of world-class golf, head out on a tour of the local wineries.

Continue to 3 of 7 below.

03 of 07

Barnbougle, Tasmania

••• Image Supplied

The rugged northeast coast of Tasmania is home to Barnbougle Dunes and Lost Farm, two astonishing courses set across rolling coastal dunes and wild, dramatic landscape. This hidden gem is renowned as one of the world’s top golf destinations, with both courses inspired by the true links courses of Scotland and Ireland.

Where to stay: Pamper yourself with a stay in the luxurious Lost Farm Lodge, and wake up right on course with rooms offering views across Anderson Bay.

What to do besides golf? Play polo, check into the on-site day spa and indulge in the onsite bars and restaurants. You’re also near to some of Tasmania’s best cool climate vineyards, with beaches on your doorstep.

Continue to 4 of 7 below.

04 of 07

Hamilton Island Golf Club, Whitsundays, Queensland

••• Image Supplied

Want to swing on your own island?Hamilton Island Golf Club is the only golf course set on its own island in Australia – Dent Island, a neighbor to Hamilton Island. Believed to be one of the world’s most scenic golf courses with spectacular views of the Whitsunday Islands, this is a must-play course.

Where to stay: Rest your head at the Hamilton Island Reef View Hotel for an unforgettable golf getaway.

What to do besides golf? Hamilton Island is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Australia, so you’ll find plenty of things to do – such as swimming, sunning and snorkeling – when you’re off the green.

Continue to 5 of 7 below.

05 of 07

Royal Pines, Gold Coast, Queensland

••• Image Supplied

Host of the Australian PGA, RACV Royal Pines Golf Course in the middle of the Gold Coast is where winners play. The championship golf course is perfectly positioned just a short distance from the white sandy beaches of Surfers Paradise and the lush beauty of the Gold Coast Hinterland.

Where to stay: Stay at the award-winning RACV Royal Pines Resort for the ultimate champion holiday; it boasts an award winning spa and a fantastic kids pool area, so it offers fun for the whole family!

What to do besides golf? Another population tourism destination, the Gold Coast offers some of the best beaches in Australia, along with theme parks and hinterland adventures. It’s also just a short one-hour drive to Brisbane, if you’re hankering for a city escape.

Continue to 6 of 7 below.

06 of 07

Moonah Links, Victoria

••• Image Supplied

Enjoy the beauty of the Mornington Peninsula with a round of golf – and not at just any course, but on greens designed to host the Australian Open! The Moonah Links course is an easy drive from Melbourne, but you’ll feel like you’re a world away from the big city. The course has two championship courses offering scenic views of the coast and woodland.

Where to stay: Stay at Peppers Moonah Links, a resort with stunning course views – perfect for the ultimate golfer. The luxury resort is also close to the Peninsula Hot Springs, and a wide range of wineries.

What to do besides golf? You can tack this golfing experience on to the end of a city holiday in Melbourne with fantastic accommodation, or explore the local region and the beautiful Mornington Peninsula a short drive north.

Continue to 7 of 7 below.

07 of 07

The Sands, Victoria

••• Image Supplied

Torquay is Victoria’s surf coast capital, but golfers can revel here too! Set along the famous Great Ocean Road, The Sands in Torquay is an 18-hole championship course designed by Australian golfer Stuart Appleby. Here, you can perfect your swing while admiring the stunning coastal views.

Where to stay: Stay at Peppers The Sands Resort, which offers spectacular views of the surrounding greens, sand dunes, and cliff-faced coast.

What to do besides golf? Torquay is a popular beachfront town located a few kilometers from Bells Beach, which hosts the annual Rip Curl Pro Surfing Classic. Pack your beach gear and combine your golfing vacation with a beachside escape!